So, how do you spot the difference? It’s not always easy, man. These counterfeiters are getting *good*. Like, scary good. But don’t fret, we’re gonna break it down.
First off, the *feel*. This is subjective, yeah, but trust your gut. A real Cartier, even with all those diamonds, *feels* substantial. It’s got weight to it, a certain… je ne sais quoi… of quality. A fake, especially a diamond fake, often feels lighter, kinda cheap-o. Like that plastic fork you get with takeout that snaps the second you try to stab a piece of chicken. You know the feeling.
Then, there’s the *finish*. Real Cartier is all about precision. Think Swiss watchmaking, you know? Super meticulous. Look closely at the setting of the diamonds – are they perfectly aligned? Is the metal smooth? Or are there rough edges, like someone took a dull butter knife to it? If it looks rushed, or like a kid’s craft project gone wrong, red flag! Red flag!
And speaking of diamonds… oh boy. This is where it gets tricky. Are they *real* diamonds? Are they CZ (cubic zirconia)? Are they just plain ol’ glass? A jeweler can tell you for sure, but even to the untrained eye, there are clues. Real diamonds sparkle like crazy, even in dim light. They have this fire and brilliance that’s hard to fake. CZs are sparkley, too, but they kinda lack that depth. They’re more… flat. Glass? Well, glass just looks like… glass. Dull and lifeless.
Don’t forget the details! Roman numerals – are they crisp and well-defined? Serial numbers – are they there, and do they *look* legit? The stamping and hallmarks – are they present and correct? Counterfeiters often skimp on these things, or get them wrong. I mean, sometimes they even misspell “Cartier.” I’m not even kidding! (Okay, maybe I’m exaggerating *slightly*, but still, pay attention!).
Plus, there’s the whole “interest check and discussion” thing you find online for some of these supposedly rare models. Be wary! Be *very* wary. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Especially when discussing high-end items like a Cartier Crash (those are *rare*).
Honestly, buying a pre-owned diamond Cartier is like navigating a minefield. My personal opinion? Go to a reputable dealer. Yeah, it’ll cost more, but at least you’ll know you’re getting the real deal. And if you *do* go the pre-owned route, get it authenticated by a professional. It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind.
